Garment forms



Jan. 15, 1957 M. E. B. WlLKLOW GARMENT FORMS Filed Nov. 4, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 l lvL IN VEN TOR.

ATTORNEY Jan. 1957 M. E. B. WILKLOW 2,777,618

GARMENT FORMS Filed Nov. 4,' 1954 4 Shets-Sheet 2 o asmmw' IN V EN TOR.

ATTORNEY Jan. 15, 1957 M. E. B. WILKLOW 2,777,618

GARMENT FORMS Filed Nov. 4, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY -Fi Z3 m aswlluw IN VEN TOR.

K V V W Jan. 15, 1957 Filed 1954 M. E. B. WILKLOW GARMENT FORM 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Oarq 8.3 U; Mom

IN V EN TOR.

ATTORN Y United States atent O This invention relates to garment forms, and more particularly to garment forms which will shape garments to desired measurements.

After washing, garments such as sweaters, waists,

blouses and the like, as well as skirts and the like, particularly when made of certain materials, require stretching, restraint or shaping, such as to produce a desired size or a desired appearance. Thus, knitted skirts, sweaters, one-piece dresses and the like, as well as garments of soft wool and other stretchable weaves, require restoration to size and shape after washing or dry cleaning, while shirts, blouses, dresses and the like formed of fabrics which do not require ironing or pressing, such as seersucker, pucker weave, as well as nylon, Orlon, Dacron and other materials which require a minimum of handling after washing or dry cleaning, must be supported while drying so as to retain the desired original contour and finish. Such garments are not restricted to sex or age of the user so that the garment forms of this invention may be utilized for garments of children and adults of both sexes.

Among the objects of the present invention are to provide novel garment forms; to provide such garment forms which are particularly adapted to be utilized in shaping or drying garments of the above types or formed of the above described types of materials; to provide such garment forms which are adjustable over a range of sizes and shapes of the garment to be placed thereon; to provide such garment forms which avoid the use of complicated fasteners or locks for maintaining the various parts in desired positions; to provide such garment forms which may be adjusted with certainty to accommodate specific sizes; to provide such garment forms which are conveniently made from plastic or from light metal, such as aluminum alloys; to provide such garment forms which, when made from plastic, may be injection molded or extruded and which may be manufactured and assembled with a minimum of hand operations; to provide such garment forms, the parts of which will retain a desired position during use but which may be readily adjusted to accommodate a garment having a different size or shape; to provide a garment form for waists, blouses, shirts, sweaters or the like which will accommodate differences in the dimensions of the body section, as well as cause the shape of a collar to be retained; to provide a garment form for skirts and the like which will accommodate differences in the waist measurement as well as other measurements; to provide a garment form for waists, blouses and the like and a garment form for skirts and the like which may be attached together to form a garment form for a dress, coat or the like; to provide such garment forms which may readily be suspended so as to hang in a vertical position, but which also may be used in flat position; and to provide such garment forms which are relatively economical to manufacture and effective in use.

Additional objects and the novel features of this invention will become apparent from the description which follows, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

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Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a garment form of this invention for one piece dresses, coats and the like, with variations in the position of certain parts being indicated by dotted lines;

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the parts which constitute a garment form of this invention for sweaters, waists, blouses, skirts and the like, and which also constitutes a portion of the garment form of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the parts which constitute a garment form of this invention for skirts and the like, and which also constitutes an additional portion of the garment form of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom view of the central portion of an upper cross arm which forms a part of the garment form of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom view of the central portion of a collar bar forming a part of the upper cross arm of the garment of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a cross section of each of a central supporting rod, taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 2, and an upright bar of a lower frame, taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross section of the tip of each of an upper bar and a lower bar of a side bracket and an upper bar of a sleeve bracket, taken along the respective line 7-7 of Fig. 2, as well as the tip of an upper bar of a side frame and each of an upper leg and a lower leg of a corner, taken along the respective line 7-7 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross section of the sleeve bracket and the side bracket, taken along line 8-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross section of each of an inter mediate and a lower cross arm, taken along the respective line 9-9 of Fig. 2, as well as each of an upper and a lower cross arm, taken along the respective line 9-9 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 10 is a cross section, similar to Fig. 9, illustrating a modification thereof;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross section of a central supporting rod, taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the central lower portion of a central support of the garment form of Fig. 2, with the parts thereof shown in assembled relation;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the upper tip of a sleeve bracket, taken from the position of line 13-13 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the end of the lower arm of a sleeve bracket, taken from the position of line 14-14 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom view of the same, taken from theposition of line 15-15 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 16 is an end view of the same, taken from the position of line 16-16 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of a connection between a sleeve bracket and a side bracket, forming parts of the garment form of Fig. 2 and shown in assembled relation, similar to Fig. 1;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary cross section, taken along line 13-18 of Fig. 17;

Fig. l9 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of a portion of a side bar of a side bracket taken from the position of line 19-19 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the upper tip of a side bar of a side frame, forming a part of the garment form of Fig. 3;

Fig. 21 is an oblique view transverse to Fig. 20 and taken from the position of line 21-21 of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the tip of a top bar of a side frame, forming a part of the garment form of Fig. 3;

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary oblique view, taken transversely to Fig. 22 and from the position of line 23-23 of Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 is a front elevation of a garment form which embodies a number of the features of the form of Fig. 2,

but is simpler in construction, the" parts thereof being shown in assembled relation;

Fig. 25 isa front elevation of a central support of the form of Fig. 24;

Fig; 26 is a front elevation of a right sleeve bracket of the form of Fig. 24; and

Fig. 27 is a front elevation of a left sleeve bracket of the form of Fig. 24.

A garment form for a dress, coat or the like, as illustrated in Fig. 1, may include a garment form W for a waist, blouse and the like, the parts of which are shown in exploded relation in Fig. 2 and in assembled relation in Fig. l, to which is connected agarment form S for a skirt and the like, the parts of which are shown in exploded relation in Fig. 3 and in assembled relation in Fig. 1. The forms W and S are attached together and the entire form is conveniently suspended in vertical position, as by a swivel hook 10. As indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, when either form W or form S is to be utilized alone, it is conveniently suspended in vertical position, as by the hook 10. When the form W and form S are connected together, as in Fig. 1', a hook 11 may be utilized to attach the same together, the hook 11 being mounted at the lower end of the form W in a manner described later.

The form W of Fig. 2 may include a central support which includes a rod 12, preferably provided with an intermediate reinforcement 13 and a lower reinforcement 13 from which an intermediate cross arm 14 and a lower cross arm l5,respectively, extend laterally to each side. The supporting rod 12 may be provided at its upper end with a hole 16 in which the swivel at the lower end of hook It? may be inserted, so as to suspend the form Win the manner illustrated in Fig. 1. An upper cross arm 17, provided with a non-circular hole 18 at a reinforcement 1%, as in Fig. 4, may also be provided with a collar bar 2%) at each side which may be formed as a flange provided with a depending web, as in Figs. 2 and 5. Each side of collar bar 20 slopes upwardly from the end of the cross arm 17 to a flat 21, provided with a reinforcement 22 through which a hole 18 extends, as in Fig. 5. Upper cross arm 17 is movable upwardly and downwardly along the upper portion of the rod 12, with holes 13 and 18' engaging rod 12. Each of the laterally extending portions of the cross arms 14, 15 and 17 are preferably hollow and shaped to receive other parts which interfit therewith, in a manner describedlater.

The form W may also include a" left side bracket 24 and a right side bracket 24, each conveniently sym metrical about a vertical lateral axis and therefore identical in construction, but reversed in position when assembled. Each side bracket 24 and 24 may be formed as a flange provided with a web for reinforcement and molded when formed of plastic or cast when formed of metal. Each side bracket is provided with an inwardly extending top bar 25 having a non-circular cross section and adapted to be inserted into the hollow end of an intermediate cross bar 14; Each side bracket also curves inwardly and downwardly, as along a curved section 26, to a lower bar 27, each of the latter being non-circular in cross section and adapted to fit into one of the hollow ends of the lower cross bar 15, as in Fig. l. The side brackets 24 and 24 are preferably formed so that the upper bars 25 and the lower bars 27 are inclined at an angle of less than 90 to the sides thereof, i. e., the upper bars 25 and the lower bars 27 converge towards each other so that when the side brackets are inserted in the cross arms 14 and 15, each upper bar 25 will tend to be pulled upwardly slightly and each lower bar 27. slightly downwardly, so that a clamping effect is secured and the side brackets will be held in any position to which they are adjusted. Each side bracket also may be provided with a series of notches 28 in the flange thereof for engagement with ends 29 of a left sleeve bracket 34? and a right sleeve bracket 39, respectively, for vertical adjustment of the lower ends of the sleeve brackets. The sleeve brackets 30 and 36' may each be formed with an outer flange and an inwardly extending web and with the upper ends 31 thereof extending inwardly, the sides thereof extending outwardly and downwardly and connected to a lower bar 32 by'an arcuate section 33. The upper ends 31 of the sleeve brackets 3d and 3%! are adapted to be inserted in the hollow ends of the upper cross arm 17, it being observed that the upper cross arm 17 is movable upwardly and downwardly on the central supporting rod 12 so that the notch 28 in which the inner lower ends 29 of the sleeve brackets are inserted will determine the position of the upper cross arm 17 on the central rod 52. Thus, the position of the sleeve brackets 33 and 30 may be adjusted between the lower or full position and the upper or dotted position of Pig. 1.

The central rod 12 may have any desired cross sectional shape, which is preferably non-circular in order to prevent rotation of the upper cross arm 17 thereon, such as the dumb-bell shaped section illustrated in Fig. 6, comprising a central Web 35 and ellipsoidal flanges 36 at each side. The holes 13 and 18 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 in the cross arm 17 and flat 21, respectively, may correspond in shape to the cross section of the rod 12, or may be generally rectangular with curved ends so as to fit over the rod. it will also be observed that the reinforcements 13 and 13 on the rod 12 may have a shape similar to the reinforcement 19 on the upper cross arm 17, as shown in Fig. 4, except that hole would instead be a solid section of rod 3.2.

The top and bottom bars of side brackets 24 and 24' and the sleeve brackets 39 and 3% may have any desired non circular cross sectional shape, with the tips of bars 25, 27 and 31 preferably being cut' away, such as along reduced width portions 34 of Fig. 13, to provide a cross section, such as the T-shape illustrated in Pig. 7, comprising a flange 37 having a rounded top and a central depending web 38. The remainder of the sidebrackets 24 and 24- and sleeve brackets 39 and 36' may have a cross section such as the T-shape illustrated in Pig. 8, comprising a flange 49 having a rounded top and a central depending web 41. The hollow portions of the cross arms 14, 7.5 and 17 may have a cross sectional shape so as to receive the respective ends of the side brackets and sleeve brackets, such as in Fig. 9, wherein a peripheral wall 42 corresponds in shape to a hollow rectangle-having rounded edges and sides, with the curvature of the latter corresponding to the curvature of the top of flange 37 of Fig. 7. A pair of oppositely disposed, longitudinal interior ribs :3 are adapted to engage the lower edges of flange 37 and a pair of adjacent, longitudinal interior ribs 44 provide a space into which the end of flange 38 may fit. As will be evident, the espective ends of the side brackets and sleeve brackets may be moved inwardly and outwardly within the hollow cross arms and the brackets held securely therein without twisting. If desired, the hollow cross arms may have a cross section similar to that illustrated in Fig. 10, comprising a wall enclosing a space d5 having an outline cor responding to the cross section shown in Fig. 7. Again, the ends of the respective brackets may be inserted in such hollow cross arms to beheld therein without twisting. For the cross arms 14, i5 and 17, the hollow cross section illustrated in Fig. 9 may be preferable to that illustrated in Fig. 10, when the parts are for ed from plastic by molding, since the core which is utilized to form the hollow interior, which is pulled when the complete article is removed from the mold would be more easily cooled, because of its larger size. That is, a core for the configuration shown in Fig. 10 would have a size and shape as shown in Fig. 7, but may be too small to permit adequate circulation of cooling fluid, thereby possibly tending to become overheated. However, the cross section shown in Fig. 1G is well adapted to production by extrusion. I

It will be understood, of course, that the side brackets 24 and 24' and sleeve brackets 30 and 30' may be hollow, such as having a cross sectional shape as illustrated in Figs. 9 or 10, while the cross arms 14, 15 or 17 may be made solid so that the hollow ends of the brackets may be slipped thereover, in which case the cross arms may have a cross section similar to that of Fig. 7. Of course, either of the parts may have other non-circular cross sectional shapes, such as that illustrated in Fig. 6, With the interfitting part having a corresponding hollow shape.

Hook 11 may be molded in position in the reinforcement 13' at the time that the supporting rod 12 is molded, but is preferably separately attached thereto, as by threading through a nut 47 and into the reinforcement 13, which, when made of plastic, serves to lock the threaded shank of hook 11 in a desired position, such as at right angles to cross arm 15 when form S is to be supported, "as in Fig. 1, or parallel to cross arm 15, as in Fig. 12, to prevent it from catching on a garment when form W is used alone. Nut 47 may be a square machine not which is conveniently slipped into a slot, as in Fig. 12, in a hollow cup 48 formed at the lower end of reinforcement 13' so that nut 47 will be enclosed on two sides and will not tend to become dislodged from its position.

The lower inner ends 29 of the sleeve brackets 30 and 30 may be formed in any suitable manner, such as that illustrated in Figs. 1418. Thus, each end 29 may be comparatively flat on the lower side, as in Fig. 15, rounded on the upper side, as in Fig. 16, and generally arcuate to provide a pair of prongs 49 with ears 50 extending both upwardly and downwardly at the end of each prong 49. The cars 50 are adapted to be inserted in the slots 23, disposed in spaced relation along the sides of the side brackets 24 and 24', conveniently being formed in the edges of the flange 40, as in Fig. 19, while the slots 28 preferably have bevelled corners 51, to facilitate the insertion of the ears Si) through the slots. As will be evident from Figs. 17 and 18, when an end 29 of the sleeve bracket is placed over a pair of slots 28, the cars 50 are moved to a position past the flange 40 and the end 29 then pressed downwardly against the bottom of the slot. in this position, the lower cars 50 will prevent the sleeve brackets from moving outwardly. Also, if the sleeve brackets are moved accidentally or are spread apart at arcuate section 33, the sleeve brackets will spring back to molded size and the upper ears 50 will tend to engage the upper edges of the slots 28, thereby retaining the sleeve brackets in position.

The form S, as in Figs. 1 and 3, may include a central support which includes a rod 55, which is preferably hollow and provided at its upper end with a reinforcement 56 from which a hollow upper cross arm 57 extends to each side and obliquely upwardly at a slight angle to the horizontal. Arms 57 may have a cross section similar to that shown in Fig. 9, or that shown in Fig. 10, or any other desired non-circular cross section. In addition, an eye 58 may be provided above reinforcement 56, into which the swivel hook may be inserted when the form S is to be utilized alone and also into which the connecting hook 211 may be inserted when the forms W and S are to be attached together, as in Fig. 1. The form S may also include a left side frame and a right side frame, each of which comprises a side bar 59 and an upper bar 69, normally pivoted to each other, as in a manner described later, so that each upper bar 60 may be inserted in hollow upper cross arms 57 and adjusted therein to a desired lateral position and each side bar 59 may be pivoted inwardly or outwardly to a desired position. The form S further may include a lower frame comprising an upright bar 61 adapted to fit into hollow rod 55 and provided with a reinforcement 62 at its lower end, from which an arcuate lower arm 63 extends laterally to each side. The form S further includes a pair of corners, each having an upwardly extending leg 64 adapted to fit into a hollow side arm 59 and an arcuate lower leg 65 dapted to fit into a hollow lower arm 63.

The hollow rod may have a cross sectional shape similar to that illustrated in Fig. 11, such as comprising a wall 66 and 66 at each side having a hollow oval section with spaced webs 67 and 67 joining the same. This cross section is particularly adapted to be utilized in connection with a bar 61 which has a cross section similar to that illustrated in Fig. 6. It will be understood, of course, that other and diiferent cross sectional shapes of both rod 55 and bar 61 may be utilized, the primary concern being that any possibility of twisting is to be avoided and relative ease in manufacture is desirable. The hollow arms 57 and 63, as well as hollow side bars 59, may have a cross section similar to that illustrated in Fig. 9, or Fig. 10, or any desired alternative cross section which will permit the parts interfitting with the same to be held thereon without twisting. Thus, the upper bars 69 of the side frames and the legs 64 and 65 of the corners may have a cross section similar to that illustrated in Fig. 7, or any other desirable cross section adapted to interfit with the hollow parts engaged. As before, it will be understood that the arms 57 and 63 and the bars 59 may be solid and adapted to fit within the upper bars of the side frames and the legs 64 and of the corners, respectively, which then may be hollow.

The pivotal connection between the side bars 59 and the upper bars 60 of the side frames may be constructed in any suitable manner, such as in the manner illustrated in Figs. 20-23. As illustrated therein, the upper end of a. side bar 59 may be provided with a female joint 69, which may be a separate, molded part, inserted in the hollow side bar 59 and attached thereto, as by a rivet or a suitable cement, when the parts are made of plastic, or by a rivet or by brazing or any other suitable manner, when the parts are made of metal. Each female joint 59 is pivotally attached, as by a rivet 7d of Fig. 1, to a male joint 71, which is provided at the outer end of each bar 60 and which may be formed integrally therewith, or formed separately and attached thereto. Each female joint 69 may be provided with a slot 72 between a pair of spaced, relatively narrow circular knobs 73, each having a central hole 74 therethrough for insertion of the rivet 70. The slot '72 between the knobs 73 of the female joint is preferably arcuate at its inner edge, as indicated in Figs. 20 and 21. The female joint 69 abuts against the end of bar 59 at a ledge 75, as in Figs. 20 and 21 and may be provided with a stem 76 which extends into bar 59 for attachment thereto.

The male joint 71 is generally circular and provided with a'central hole 74' to receive rivet 79, but is also provided with an ear 77 which acts as a stop to prevent the waist band of a skirt from slipping up or oil the upper end of form S, as will be evident from Fig. 1, when the form is used for a skirt alone.

Upper bar 60 may be provided with indicia 78, as in Fig. 22, so that the bar may be adjusted to a position corresponding to the waist size of a dress, skirt or the like, to be put on form S. In addition, bar 61 and corner legs 64 and 65 may be provided with similar indicia, so that the parts of the form may be adjusted to the required position to accommodate the particular size of the skirt, dress or the like involved. Similarly, the bars 25 and 27 of the side brackets 24- and 24' of Fig. 2 may be provided with indicia to permit the desired adjustment of these parts to accommodate the particular bust measurement of the sweater, waist, blouse, shirt, dress or the like involved. Also similarly, the side brackets 24 and 24 along notches 2S and the upper portion of rod 12 of Fig. 2, above cross arm 14, may be provided with indicia to permit adjustment of the lower ends of the sleeve brackets and the upper cross arms 17, respectively, to accommodate the lengthwise dimensions or" the garment involved. In addition to the indicia on certain of the parts indicated above, the edges of the parts involved may be provided with rounded serrations along an edge thereof, which correspond in spaced relation to the indicia and into which the edges of the sockets into which the parts fit will tend to drop as such parts are pushed into the socket. Such parts include the upper bars and lower bars 27 of the side brackets 24 and 24' and the upper ends 31 of the sleeve brackets 36 and 30', each of form W of Fig. 2, as well as the upper bars 69 of the side frames, the legs 64 and 65 of the corners and the bar 61 of the lower frame, each of form S of Fig. 3. The edge which is conveniently provided with such serrations is the surface of the web opposite the fiange, on the latter of which the indicia may be placed, except in the case of bar 61 of the lower frame of-form S, wherein either flange may be so provided.

The alternative garment form illustrated in Figs. 24-27 may include a central supporting rod 83 conveniently similar in cross section to the rod 12 of Fig. 2 and provided with integral reinforcements 31 and 81', from the latter of which lower cross arms 82 extend to each side and from the former of which upper cross arms 83 extend to each side. The cross arms 32 and 83 are con veniently molded integrally with the rod 86, or may be formed separately and attached to the rod 8i As in the case of the upper cross arm 17 of Pig. 2, the cross arm 83 of Fi 24 may be provided with a collar bar 2% which slopes upwardly from each end to a flat 21, the collar bar 2t? and flat 21 conveniently being formed by a flange having a depending rib to add additional strength. Similarly, a reinforcement 22 may be provided at the center of fiat 21, particularly when the cross arm 83 is made separately and attached to the rod 89. In addition, a post 34 having a hole therein at its upper end, adapted to receive the swivel of hook it), may extend upwardly from reinforcement 81 and through reinforcement 22'. The cross arms 82 and 33 are preferably hollow, conveniently having a cross section similar to cross arms 14 and 17 of Fig. 2, such as the cross section illustrated in Fig. 9 or the alternative cross section illustrated in Fig. 10. A left sleeve bracket 85 and a right sleeve bracket 85' are adjustably secured to the cross arms 82 and 33, the sleeve brackets 85 and $5 bein adapted to move inwardly and outwardly, in accordance with the width of the shoulders of a coat, shirt, dress or the like, which is to be supported by this garment form. The sleeve brackets 85 and 85' may have a cross section similar to the sleeve brackets 30 and 3% of 2, such as the cross section illustrated in Fig. 8. The upper arm of each sleeve bracket 85 and 85' slopes outwardly and downwardly while a lower arm 86 thereof slopes upwardly and inwardly, an arcuate end'87 connecting the lower arm and preferably being formed integrally with the remainder of the bracket. The lower tip 88 and upper tip 89 of each sleeve bracket may be cut away along the fiange, such as in the manner illustrated in Fig. 13. As illustrated in Fig. 26, the sleeve brackets may be originally formed so that the lower tips 38 diverge from the upper tips 3? to produce a wedging action which will hold the brackets more securely in the cross arms 82 and'83, when the sleeve brackets are inserted therein. Thus, insertion of the sleeve brackets into the cross arms will cause the lower tip 3% of each sleeve bracket to move from the ful position of Fig. 26 to the dotted position thereof. As before, the tips 8% and 89 of the sleeve brackets may be provided with indicia, so that the braclc ets may be adjusted to accommodate the particular size of garment which is to be placed thereon.

Although the garment forms of this invention have been described as being made of plastic or of metal, it will be understood that other materials and also various combinations of materials may be utilized. For instance, the rod 12 of Fig. 2 or rod 89 of Fig. 24 may be made throughthecenfer of a cross arm, after which the wire is upset above and below the crossarms, or, the. cross arms may be molded on the rod or, otherwise attached thereto. Also, the cross arms may be solid and the parts which interfit therewith may be hollow, although a non-circular cross section of each solid part is preferably utilized. It

will also be understood that other types of connections,

between the lower inner ends of the sleeve brac'ketsand the sides of the side brackets of form W may be utilized, 7 such as holes being provided in the sides of the side brack-i such as the cross arms l4, l5 and 17 of Fig. 2, the rod E2 of Fig. 2, the rod of Fig. 3, the cross arms 57 and (:3 of Fig. 3, the bars 60 and 61 of Fig. 3, the'rod 80 of of metal and the cross arms made of plastic and attached thereto. Thus, the rod 12 or the rod 80 may be a wire which may be inserted through a hole molded or drilled Fig. 24 and the cross arms 82 and 83 of Fig. 24. When these parts are made by extrusion, it is necessary, of course, to attach certain of them to other parts, such as attaching the cross arms to the central rods. This may be done by providing reinforcements 13, 13' and 19 of Fig. 2, reinforcements 56 and 62 of Fig. 3, or reinforce: ments 81 and 81 of Fig. 24, as separate parts provided with apertures into which the respective rods and cross arms may be inserted and then cemented in place. In addition, when the cross section of the cross arms and other parts having a similar cross section is T-shaped, as in Fig. If), two separate parts may be made by extrusion or molding and then cemented together, such as along the vertical center line of Fig. 10. Other variations in the construction of the various parts may also be adopted.

To place a garment on the form of Fig. l, the side brackets 24 and 24' are pulled away from the center until the correct indicia appear at the upper and lower ends thereof. The movable cross arm 17 is then placed at ap-' proximately the desired position on the central rod 12, and the form W slipped inside the dress. The sleeve brackets 30 and 30 are then slipped into the sleeves from the neck and into the ends of the movable cross arm 17, which is moved to the exact position which permits the ends of the sleeve brackets to be placed in the appropriate slots in the sides of the side brackets. It is to be noted that the upward and downward adjustment of the sleeve brackets permits a short or long waisted garment to be accommodated. The form S is then adjusted to the desired measurements for the waist line, length and width of hem, such as determined by the indicia appearing on the top bars 6d of the side frames, the upright bar 61 of the lower frame, and the legs 64 and 65 of the corners. The form S may then be slipped up inside the dress and attached to hook 11. Of course, the various parts may he slipped inside the dress or other garment and then adjusted to position, such as until the dress is stretched sufiiciently taut over the form.

When a sweater, blouse, waist or similar garment is to be placed on the form of Fig. 2, the side brackets 24 and 24' may be adjusted to the desired measurements, as determined by the indicia appearing on the upper and lower ends of the side brackets and the parts thus assembled slipped inside the garment. Then, the sleeve brackets 30 and 3% may be placed inside the sleeves through the neck opening and the movable cross arm 17 positioned on the rod 12, after which the sleeve brackets may be connected to the cross arms 17 and the side brackets 24 and 24'. The book 10 may then be attached to the form and the garment with the form inside hung up to dry.

The skirt form S, when utilized alone, may be adjusted to the desired measurements for waist line, length and width of hem, as described previously, and then slipped inside the garment, after which the hook 10 is attached andthe garment with the form inside hung up to dry. Or, as indicated previously, the parts may be assembled and placed inside the skirt, after which they may be moved out to a position at which the skirt is sufficiently taut. As indicated previously, hooks 77 prevent the waist band of a skirt or thelike from moving upwardly and off the upper end of the form S.

When the garment form of Fig. 24 is used, the sleeve brackets 85 and 85' are removed, slipped into the sleeves and then connected to the cross arms 82 and 83 of the central support, placed in the garment either before or after placement of the sleeve brackets therein.

As will be evident, a garment which is placed on a form constructed in accordance with this invention is adequately supported at all points and does not tend to fold or wrinkle, so that it will maintain'its shape and in the case of garments made of nylon, Orlon, Dacron and the like, will dry without objectionable folds or creases. It is to be noted that the curved portions 33 of the sleeve brackets 3t) and 30' permit a cuff of a sweater to extend beyond and dry without stretching, which is of course very desirable. Also, the curved section 26 of the side brackets 24 and 24' similarly permit the waist band of a sweater, for instance, to dry without stretching, which is also desirable. Furthermore, when the garment form of Fig. 24 is utilized, a blouse or shirt made of material such as nylon, Orlon, Dacron or the like, or loose fleece coats, dresses of nylon, pucker weave, Seersucker or Orlon jersey, :hich do not require pressing in the torso, will tend to dry without folds or wrinkles, since the sleeve brackets 35 and 85' not only hold the sleeves out, but also retain the shoulders in position and permit the remainder of the garment to fall vertically. The collar bars 20 are also advantageous in drying a garment which has a collar, since the neck of the garment is held outwardly and the collar therefore falls naturally into a straight position. The garment form of Fig. 24 may also be utilized to hang garments and preserve the form and shape thereof without wrinkling or folding, particularly at the shoulders and the sleeves, as Well as the collar when the garment is provided with one. Thus, the garment form of Fig. 24 tends to preserve the shape and form of a garment in a manner much more satisfactorily than a conventional coat hanger, which permits the sleeves to drop sharply and the shoulders to bunch, with folds, wrinkles or protuberances consequently being produced. Also, the remainder of the garment will fall naturally from the form, whereas conventional coat hangers often permit folds and wrinkles to occur.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that the garment form of this invention fulfills to a marked degree the requirements and objects hereinbefore set forth. As will be evident, the garment form of this invention is particularly adapted to be utilized in drying many types of garments, such as after washing or dry cleaning. Also, such garment forms, particularly that of Fig. 24, may be utilized to hold the garment in shape and proper form while being hung, as for some time between uses.

Although specific embodiments of this invention have been described and certain variations, both as to construction and materials, illustrated or described, it will be understood that other embodiments may exist and various changes made therein, all without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A garment form comprising a central support including a rod having means at its upper end for suspending said rod in vertical position, a lower cross arm at the lower end and an intermediate cross arm at an intermediate position of said rod, each said cross arm extending laterally to each side of said rod, with at least the upper end of said rod being non-circular in cross-section; an upper cross arm having a central hole conforming in shape to said rod cross section and movable on said rod to different vertical positions; a left side bracket and a right side bracket, each side bracket having a corner at the upper end between an inwardly extending upper bar and a side bar curving inwardly to'an inwardly extending lower generally upright side bar with the lower portion of said 10 bar, each said upper bar interfitting with said intermediate cross arm and each said lower bar interfitting with said lower cross arm, one of each said upper and lower cross arm and each said upper and lower bar, respectively, being hollow to form a socket and the other fitting into said socket; and a left sleeve bracket and a right sleeve bracket, each sleeve bracket having a downwardly and outwardly extending side and a lower bar extending at an acute angle thereto and connected therewith at the outer ends thereof, each side having a curve therein connecting with an inwardly extending upper tip which interfits with said upper cross arm, one of each said upper tip and each said upper cross arm being hollow to form a socket and the other fitting into said socket, and the inner end of each sleeve bracket lower bar and each side bracket side bar having interfitting means for connecting said inner' end to said side bar at various positions along the latter.

2. A garment form as defined in claim 1, wherein said cross arms are hollow to form sockets.

3. A garment form as defined in claim 1, wherein said intermediate and lower cross arms are generally parallel and said upper and lower arms of each said side bracket converge inwardly toward each other.

4. A garment form as defined in claim 1, wherein said sides of said side brackets are each provided with a series of spaced notches on opposite sides thereof and the inner end of each lower bar of each sleeve bracket is provided with a pair of prongs having ears at the end for interfitting with said notches.

5. A garment form as defined in claim 1, wherein the upper end of said central support rod has a central web and an enlarged flange at each side and said upper cross arm is provided with a non-circular aperture fitting over said rod.

6. A garment form as defined in claim 1, wherein said parts which are hollow to form sockets are provided with a wall enclosing a T-shaped space therein; and the parts interfitting therewith are solid and provided with an upper flange having a rounded top and a central depending web.

7. A garment form as defined in claim 1, wherein said parts which are hollow to form sockets are provided with an outer wall generally rectangular in shape with rounded sides and corners and having on the inside a pair of longitudinal n'bs at opposite sides and disposed opposite each other and a pair of adjacent longitudinal ribs at the bot tom thereof; and the parts interfitting therewith are solid and provided with an upper flange having a rounded top and a central depending web, the lower edges of said flange being adapted to engage said side ribs and the lower end of said web being received between said bottom ribs.

8. A garment form as defined in claim 1, wherein said upper cross arm is provided with a collar bar sloping upwardly toward the center from each end of said upper cross arm.

9. A garment form comprising a central rod having means at its upper end for suspending said rod in vertical position; an upper cross arm extending to each side of said rod and adjustable upwardly and downwardly thereon; a left sleeve bracket and a right sleeve bracket, each sleeve bracket having a side extending downwardly from an inwardly extending upper tip, a lower bar extending upwardly at an acute angle to said side and an arcuate outer end connecting said side and said lower bar, one of said upper cross arms and said upper tip being hollow to form a socket and the other interfitting therewith; a left side bracket and a right side bracket, each having a portion extending generally upright in laterally spaced relation to said rod; means extending therebetween for connecting each said side bracket with said rod for lateral adjustment of said side bracket; and interfitting means on the inner end of said lower arm of each said sleeve bracket and the generally upright portion of the corresponding side bracket'for' connecting 11 said: inner end to said generally upright portion at various positions along the latter.

; 10. A garment form as defined in claim 9, wherein said upper cross arm is provided with a collar bar sloping upwardly toward the center from each end of said upper cross arm.

, 11. A garment form comprising an upper form and a lower form; means for suspending said lower form from said upper form; said upper form comprising a swivel hook; a central support including a rod having a hole at its upper end for engaging said hook to suspend said rod in vertical position, a lower fixed cross arm at the lower end and an intermediate fixed cross arm at an intermediate position of said rod, each said cross arm extending laterally to each side of said rod and being hollow to form a socket and at leastthe upper end of said rodbeing non-circular in cross-section; an upper cross arm having a central hole conforming in shape to said rod cross section and movable on said rod to different vertical positions and 'being' hollow to form a socket, said upper cross arm being provided with a collar bar sloping upwardly toward the center from each end thereof; a left side bracket and a right side bracket, each side bracket having a corner at the upper end between an inwardly extending upper bar and a generally upright side bar with the lowerportion of said side bar curving inwardly to an inwardly and upwardly extending lower bar, each said upper bar fitting into the socket of an intermediate cross arm and each said lower bar fitting into' the socket of a lower cross arm; and a left sleeve bracket and a right sleeve bracket, each sleeve bracket having a downwardly and outwardly extending side and a lower bar extending at an acute angle thereto and connected therewith by an arcuate section at the outer ends thereof, each side having a curve therein connecting with an inwardly extending upper tip which fits into the socket of said upper movable cross arm, and the inner end of each sleeve bracket lower bar and each side bracket side bar having interfitting means for connecting said inner end to said side bar. at various positions along the latter; said lower form comprising a central support including a rod having means at the upper end cooperating with said suspending means for suspending said rod in vertical position and an upper arm extending obliquely upwardly to each side adjacent the upper end of said rod, each said upper cross arm being hollow to form a socket and the lower end of said rod being hollow to form a socket; a left side frame and a right side frame, each including an upper bar fitting in a socket of said upper arm and a side bar pivotally connected at its upper end to the outer end of said upper bar, each said side frame side bar being hollow to form a socket; a lower frame including an upright bar fitting in the socket of said rod and an arcuate lower cross arm extending to each side and hollow to form a socket; and a corner for each side, each including an upwardly extending bar fitting in the socket of a side frame side bar and an arcuate inwardly extending bar fitting in the socket of a lower cross arm, said lower frame and corners being thereby adjustable to difierent positions.

12. A garment form as defined in claim 11, wherein said means for suspending said lower form from said upper form includes a metal hook, said upper form is formed of plastic and said hook is threaded thereinto from the lower end; a nut for said hook; and a boss extending downwardly from said central rod of said upper form and surrounding said nut.

13. A garment form for a skirt and the like, comprising a central support including a rod having means at the upper end for suspending said rod in vertical position and an upper arm extending obliquely upwardly to each said side adjacent the upper end of said rod; a left side frame and a right side frame, each including an upper bar interfi't'tiiigwith an upper arm and a side bar pivotally connected at its upper end to the outer end of said upper bar, one of each. said upper arm and each said side frame upper bar being hollow to form. a socket and the other fitting intosaid socket; 'a lower frame including an upright bar interfitting with said rod and an arcuate lower cross arm extending to each side, one of the lower end of said rod and said lower frame upright bar being hollow to form a socket and the other fitting into said socket; and a corner for each side, each including an upwardly extending bar interfitting with a side frame side bar and an arcuate inwardly extending bar interfitting with a lower cross arm, said lower frame and corners being thereby adjustable to different positions, one of each said upwardly extending bar of a corner and each said side frame side bar being hollow to form a socket and the other fitting into said socket, and one of each said lower frame lower cross arm and each said inwardly extending bar of a corner being hollow to form a socket and the other fitting into said socket.

14. A garment form as defined in claim 13, wherein said upper arms, said lower arms and said side frame side bars are each hollow to form a socket.

15. A garment form as defined in claim 13, wherein said one of said upper cross arm and said side frame top which is hollow to form a socket and said one of said lower cross arm and said inwardly extending bar of said corner which is hollow to form a socket is provided with a wall forming a T-shaped space therein; and the parts interfitting therewith are solid and provided with an upper flange having a rounded top and a central depending web.

16. A gannent form as defined in claim 13, wherein said one of said upper cross arm and said side frame top which is hollow to form a socket and said one of said lower cross arms and said inwardly extending bar of said corner which is hollow to form a socket is provided with an outer wall generally rectangular in shape with rounded sides and corners and on the inside a pair of longitudinal ribs at opposite sides and disposed opposite each other and a pair of adjacent longitudinal ribs at the bottom thereof; and the parts interfitting therewith are solid and provided with a flange having a rounded top and a central depending web, the lower edges of said flange being adapted to engage said side ribs and the lower end of said web being received between said bottom ribs.

17. A garment form as defined in claim 13, wherein said one of. said rod lower end and said lower frame upright bar which is hollow to form a socket havinga wall forming a hollow oval section at each side with spaced webs joining said oval sections, so as to receive the other said part which is solid and has a central web and an oval, enlarged flange at each side.

18. A garment form as defined in claim 13, wherein said upper bar of each said side frame is provided with an ear extending outwardly beyond said side bar of said side frame.

19. A garment form as defined in claim 18, wherein the side bar of each said side frame is provided at its upper end with a female joint including a pair of generally circular knobs having a slot thcrebetween and the outer end of each said upper bar thereof is provided with a generally circular male joint fitting into said slot, said car being carried by said male joint and said knobs and said male joint each having a central hole for reception of a pivot pin.

20. A garment form for sweaters, blouses, waists, shirts and the like comprising a central support adapted to be suspended in vertical position; a left side bracket and a right side bracket, each adjustable laterally on said central support and having at least a portion thereof disposed in generally upright position and spaced laterally from said central support; and a left sleeve bracket and a right sleeve bracket, each having an upper bar adjustable laterally and also upwardly and downwardly on said central support and a lower bar adjustable upwardly and downwardly on the generally upright portion of the corresponding side bracket.

21. A garment form for sweaters, blouses, waists, shirts and the like, as defined in claim 20, wherein the adjustable members are provided with indicating marks corresponding to the sizes of the portions of the garment to be placed on said form.

22. A garment form for skirts and the like, comprising a central support adapted to be suspended in vertical position; a left side frame and a right side frame, each having an upper bar adjustable laterally on said central support and a side bar pivotally connected to said upper bar; a lower frame adjustable upwardly and downwardly on said central support; and an angular corner connecting each side bar with said lower frame and adjustable generally laterally on said lower frame and generally upwardly and downwardly on said side bar of said side frame.

23. A garment form for skirts and the like, as defined in claim 22, wherein the adjustable members are provided with indicating marks corresponding to the sizes of the portions of the garment to be placed on said form.

24. A garment form comprising an upper form and a lower form; means for suspending said lower form from said upper form; said upper form comprising a central support adapted to be suspended in vertical position; a left side bracket and a right side bracket, each adjustable laterally on said central support; and a left sleeve bracket and a right sleeve bracket, each adjustable laterally on said central support and adjustable upwardly and downwardly on the corresponding side bracket and on said central support; said lower form comprising a central support suspended in vertical position by said suspending means; a left side frame and a right side frame, each having an upper bar adjustable laterally on said lower form central support and a side bar pivotally connected to said upper bar; a lower frame adjustable upwardly and downwardly on said lower form central support; and an angular corner connecting each side bar with said lower frame and adjustable generally laterally on said lower frame and generally upwardly and downwardly on said side bar of said side frame.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,120,748 Harris June 14, 1938 2,137,691 Landsman Nov. 22, 1938 2,213,975 Burwell Sept. 10, 1940 2,307,256 Burwell Jan. 5, 1943 

